Cam Newton’s release on Tuesday was a surprise to many.
The 32-year-old appeared to be leading the quarterback race against Mac Jones, as he started all three preseason games, and at minimum he appeared to be a roster lock. The No. 15 pick is currently the only quarterback on the 53-man roster and he overcame all odds to become the clear-cut starter as a rookie in New England.
There’s speculation on the factors that led to Newton’s release — but, the overall consensus points to the fact that Jones just won the job. Former Patriots executive Michael Lombardi joined the Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday and reiterated this sentiment.
“Did he think that Mac would come along this quickly? Obviously, I don’t think that’s true,” Lombardi said, transcribed by WEEI. “I think he felt like Cam could get them through. Now, I do know that in 2022 they felt really good that Mac Jones would be the starter based on what they saw, but this kid kind of has developed. … I do think they moved quicker than they anticipated. I don’t think they wanted to do this. They guaranteed $3.5 million to Cam, but they had to make this decision because this is basically the best player who won the job.”
Jones’ leadership, which has been heavily discusses by those around him, was one of the biggest factors in the decision.
“I think it’s been organic, but look, let’s face it, Cam is a natural born leader and so is Mac Jones. But, Mac’s ability to win over his teammates, Mac’s ability to resonate. You never make a quarterback shift this dramatic unless the team really believes in the guy that you go with,” he said. “This is not Belichick making a decision, or Josh McDaniels. This is the team sees it. And you can’t fool the team. You can’t fool the team. The team knows who the best players are. They know who should be playing quarterback, particularly. Because they are at every practice, they watch every throw. They see the team being led.
“So, this was a situation where it became crystal clear and obviously, particularly after the five days against the Giants where he was really good. And then in the preseason game against the Giants where he was really good that Belichick was forced to make a decision.”
Jones is now preparing for a Week 1 matchup against the Miami Dolphins and his former Alabama Crimson Tide teammate, Tua Tagovailoa.
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